Museum of Florida History

Since opening in 1977, the Museum has become a professionally accredited, nationally recognized cultural resource that collects, preserves, and exhibits the artifactual culture of Florida’s heritage. The Museum presents permanent exhibits depicting Florida’s illustrious history from the prehistoric period through the 20th century. Temporary exhibits highlight significant periods and individuals that have helped to shape the Sunshine State.

Tours and Programming:

Self-Guided Tour for Groups:
No charge, but donations suggested.
A warm welcome and brief orientation to the Museum from one of our Educators. Printed materials are available to help facilitate your group's experience in the galleries.
Spotlight Tour: Free guided tours are given daily, Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. and 02:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, 02:30 p.m. These tours cannot be reserved.

Highlights of the Museum tour:
(30 people maximum. 1 hour); all ages, $1.00 per person, no charge for chaperones.
A guided tour through the Museum galleries, briefly touching on important people and ideas in Florida's history. After the guided tour, students are welcomed and encouraged to explore the galleries at their own pace. These tours are tailored to your group's special interests and needs.

Survival: Florida:
(30 people maximum. 1 hour); grades K-6, $1.00 per person, no charge for chaperones.
Touch and analyze objects and artifacts to learn about Florida's first peoples. By examining these items, you will determine how they were used to survive in Florida's early history. The program is divided into three segments: Florida's First People, "Can You Survive?" and Conclusion.

My symbols, my state, my Florida:
(30 people maximum. 1 hour); grades K-4, $1.00 per person, no charge for chaperones.
Learn about the official state symbols and what they mean to Florida. After learning about state symbols, the group will go through the galleries to see examples of the symbols.

Treasures of the Museum:
(40 people maximum. Minimum of 1 chaperone per 5 students. 1 hour); grades 4-12, $1.00 per person, no charge for chaperones.
In this program, students are divided into groups and given worksheets entitled "Gems of the Treasure Chest." A trained docent will then guide students through the Museum of Florida History. The docent will discuss highlights or the 'treasures' of the Museum. After each section, the students confer with the other members in their group and decide which object, exhibit, or topic was most significant or important to Florida history.